Kiddo!, the organization largely responsible for funding art, music, dance, drama and poetry programs for the District. Kiddo! also funds robotics, innovative teacher grants, and more from kindergarten through 8th grade, is in the midst of celebrating 40 years of doing just that. Having kicked off its campaign in May to raise at least $2.6 million to preserve programs and staff for nearly 2,500 students in the school year, the organization deployed its distinctive red and yellow thermometers around town to highlight progress. Funds are raised through Kiddo!’s Annual Campaign, Business Partnerships, Endowment, and special events.
“Our community continues to step up year after year to support excellence in education in Mill Valley,” says School Board President Emily Uhlhorn. “We’re particularly thankful this year as we recognize that Covid has impacted every aspect of life, yet our community continues to support our students, teachers, and staff. Mill Valley schools are among the best anywhere and community funding, through parcel taxes and donations to Kiddo and PTAs, accounts for close to 30% of our annual budget. Our excellence is the fruit of intentionality and support from our community and we are grateful as we endeavor to ensure that the next generation has an excellent, well-rounded education.”
Despite limited state funding, the Mill Valley School District is committed to educating the whole child. Contributions from our local community are therefore essential for maintaining exemplary public schools in Mill Valley. Parents and local businesses have already contributed more than $2 million this year. Kiddo! now asks the greater community to join this effort by making a contribution to Kiddo! before December 31, 2021.
“Mill Valley is a special place to live, and we need to nurture the talent, intelligence, and potential in all our young students,” said Bill Lampl, Kiddo!’s Executive Director. “Keeping the arts as part of the core curriculum in Mill Valley is only possible thanks to private contributions from parents, businesses, and our community.
Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.kiddo.org or mailed to Kiddo! at 409 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley, 94941. Kiddo! also accepts donations of appreciated stock, real estate, cars, and life insurance premiums, all of which have the potential to provide significant tax deductions for the donor. For more information, please contact the Kiddo! office at (415) 389-7789 or visit the Kiddo! website.